Manmohan Singh was known for discipline, punctuality, and commitment to learning, says Asim Arun, former IPS officer
Manmohan Singh was known for discipline, punctuality, and commitment to learning, says Asim Arun, former IPS officer.
Asim Arun, a former IPS officer who was assigned as Singh’s bodyguard starting in 2004 during his time as Prime Minister, revealed intriguing aspects of Singh’s character. Arun, now a Minister of State in Uttar Pradesh and an MLA from Kannauj, recalled the profound humility of the man who steered India through a period of economic transformation. He discussed Singh’s fondness for the Maruti 800, recounting how the former Prime Minister would frequently look wistfully at his Maruti 800, which was parked behind the shiny BMWs of the official motorcade at the Prime Minister’s residence.
Arun, who worked as Singh’s close protection officer for almost three years while he was a Special Protection Group (SPG) officer, reflected on his experiences and offered insights into Singh’s character, highlighting his modest way of life and his strong bond with everyday people.
“Asim, I don’t like travelling in this car [the BMW]; that one is my vehicle’. I am a middle-class person, and it’s my job to care for the common man’ “ Singh used to say.
For Singh, the Maruti represented much more than mere transportation; it was a testament to his identity as a leader connected to the common man. In contrast, the BMW, equipped with state-of-the-art security features, symbolized the prestige of his role as prime minister. However, Singh’s true allegiance lay with the humble Maruti, which mirrored his appreciation for simplicity and his bond with the everyday challenges faced by citizens.
Arun further emphasized Singh’s commitment to discipline and punctuality, portraying him as a person of habit who consistently departed early for official duties and made study time a priority in his daily agenda.
Arun, who chose to retire from the IPS in January 2022 to pursue a political career, reflected on his three years serving as Singh’s bodyguard as a period rich in valuable lessons.
“Dr. Singh had the stature of a student always hungry for knowledge. He was always reading and studying. At the Prime Minister’s residence, there was a dedicated space where he would spend time reading. He would keep papers, take notes, and jot down things like a student. He was always in ‘student mode,’ never without studying or learning. Being close to him, I witnessed how simplicity and humility can coexist with great power and responsibility,” says Arun.
